Manchester United Prodigy Receives Shock Australian Call-Up
In a stunning development that has sent ripples through Australian football, 18-year-old Manchester United full-back James Overy has been named in the Socceroos squad for upcoming friendlies against Venezuela and Colombia. The call-up comes despite the teenager having never played a competitive senior match, marking one of the most remarkable national team selections in recent memory.
Popovic's Open-Minded Approach to World Cup Selection
Socceroos coach Tony Popovic has confirmed he's keeping an open mind about Overy's chances of making Australia's squad for next year's World Cup in North America. "I just thought he's worth having a look at, and let's see," Popovic stated. "I'm very open-minded with what that looks like for the immediate future and obviously long term."
The right-back, who only celebrated his 18th birthday on Sunday, has been training regularly with Manchester United's first team at Carrington under manager Ruben Amorim. Popovic revealed that positive feedback from United coaches, combined with Overy's impressive displays at the Under-20 World Cup in Chile last month, prompted his inclusion.
Rapid Rise Through the Ranks
Overy's journey to national team recognition has been meteoric. As Australia's youngest player in Chile, he demonstrated his versatility by playing left-back against Argentina before switching to his preferred right-back position in the 3-1 victory over Cuba. His performance against Cuba proved particularly influential, as he set up Australia's opening goal with a perfectly weighted through ball for Max Caputo.
"Watching him closely in Chile, I was impressed," Popovic admitted. "We have good contacts at Man United, so we know what he's doing at training, we know how much he trains with the first team. He's getting games with the under-18s, the under-21s, and he's in the process where he's getting called up a lot more often."
The Manchester United coaching staff have implemented a carefully structured development programme for Overy, designed to gradually increase his exposure to top-level football. "They have a plan with him, like they do with all their youngsters," Popovic explained. "But he's Australian and we're delighted with the progress he's making. We can see the physical gains he's making in terms of his loading at training, and how well he's adapting to that and the rigours of a Premier League top club training."
Overy most recently featured for United's Under-18s in a 0-0 draw over the weekend, continuing his development within the club's esteemed academy system. Popovic expressed hope that the youngster will approach his senior international opportunity with confidence, saying: "I hope he comes in here and – we'll do everything we can to make him feel comfortable – that he expresses himself on the field, is not too nervous, and he just comes out and plays and does what he loves doing."
The Socceroos face Venezuela on 14th November in Houston as they continue preparations for next year's World Cup, with Overy now having a genuine opportunity to stake his claim for a tournament spot that would complete his fairytale rise from academy prospect to international footballer.
